A PRETTY Dudley schoolgirl is celebrating after taking the coveted crown in a national beauty pageant.

Alexia Bates, aged 10, has taken the title of Little Miss Community UK after beating off hundreds of rivals in the competition.

Alexia, who attends St Joseph’s RC Primary School, was handed a sash and a crown after impressing judges at the pageant final in Huddersfield.

The youngster, who is a member of Pedmore Panthers, also showcased her talent by composing and performing a cheerleading solo and was also handed the accolade of Little Miss Community UK best talent.

Mum April , said: “Alexia is really happy and I am really proud of her. I was crying when they announced her as the overall winner and she was over the moon.”

The Little Miss Community UK Queen will now represent the pageant as an ambassador for the next 12 months with the requirement to raise money for Cancer Research UK – the pageants nominated charity throughout her term of office.

The schoolgirl is also set to appear on television after the pageant was filmed. The show, called A Very British Party will air on Watch UKTV from October 25.